Preview: Airdrieonians vs Forfar Athletic
April 26, 2018
Dale Carrick wants Airdrie to finish the season on a positive note with a home win over Forfar Athletic on Saturday.
The former Hearts, Kilmarnock and Livingston man signed up at the Excelsior in January, and has enjoyed his first few months in the Diamond.
“It’s been great to be involved in the 15 games that I’ve played, I’ve been delighted to get some game time and to help out with a few goals - but I feel I should have got a few more.
“I thought Darryl and I were starting to strike up a good understanding, and when he got injured it maybe impacted me a wee bit - with Cammy coming in it was a case of getting an understanding with him, which takes a bit of time because we haven’t played together much.”
Although Carrick has committed to the club for next season, the striker isn’t looking ahead while the current campaign is still underway.
“I’m not really thinking about targets for next year. At the moment I’m just concentrating on finishing this season on a high by getting a win on Saturday.
“Come pre-season we’ll start again and we’ll think about what’s to come. Hopefully we’ll see Darryl back next year too!”
Jim Weir’s Forfar Athletic are the visitors on Saturday. The Angus men have secured their League One status, but Carrick thinks the match will be far from meaningless.
“As the gaffer has stated, we’re playing for personal pride now, and I think that’s enough motivation for the boys.
“You want to win games, there’s no point in turning up otherwise. It won’t be any different on Saturday, we’ll work hard and fight for the three points.”
Following Saturday’s match, the club’s Player of the Year night takes place at the stadium. Dale has been impressed by the talent in the squad.
“For me there have been very good performances throughout the team. Since I’ve come in Kieran has played well, and Jake and Rohan have both put in very good individual performances recently.
“I’ve only been here for a short period of time, but there have been stand-out performances. I don’t envy the people picking the winner!”
Manager Stevie Findlay reiterated the desire to finish the season with a win.
“We’ve still got the opportunity to go above East Fife, so there’s still something to play for.
“I want the players to go out and finish the season by giving the fans a result to celebrate.”
Findlay confirmed that David Brownlie will miss out through suspension, and Chris O’Neil is unavailable under the terms of his loan deal.
The fitness of injury victims Scott Stewart (back) and Sean McIntosh (ankle) will be assessed prior to the match.